The Data Science Institute is thrilled to welcome our new Director, Dr. Brenda Rubenstein, Vernon K. Krieble Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Physics. Rubenstein officially stepped into her new role on July 1, 2025 and will lead the DSI for the next three years. She is looking forward to continuing our impactful work at Brown's Data Science Institute.
In a message to DSI faculty, staff, and students on July 1st, Rubenstein shared her vision for the future of the Data Science Institute:
"Dear DSI Community,
It is a great honor and pleasure to begin this new chapter today as Director of the Data Science Institute! As a long-time DSI and CCMB faculty affiliate with many data science students, I have long been impressed with the energy, intellect, and ambition within this community, from its students to its postdocs to its staff up through its faculty. You make your awe-inspiring and impactful research, teaching, and service look almost routine - and always with a contagious amount of positive energy! You are truly inspiring.
Looking ahead, I look forward to working with everyone in this community to continue to make DSI a hub for the research and teaching of data science and the growing interconnected areas of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automation on campus. In particular, I will aim to broaden and deepen DSI's connections across campus through new research collaborations and mini-symposia; support the development of world-class training programs in data science and adjacent fields for all of our trainees that will also enhance Brown's research mission; continue DSI's amazing interdisciplinary work, including at the important and burgeoning interface of data, AI, people, and policy; foster community within DSI through more community gatherings and student-centered learning initiatives; and forge new industry partnerships that will provide new opportunities and perspectives for our students and faculty. It is an exciting time both at Brown and in the world to be working in data science; I will work hard to ensure that Brown is a part of - if not leading - the most important and transformative initiatives in this area.
That said, I would like to thank all of the students, staff, and faculty who have supported me during this transition. In particular, I would like to thank our Interim Director, Suresh Venkatasubramanian, and our former director, Sohini Ramachandran, for their guidance and deep wisdom during this transition. They have both been remarkable directors from whom I've learned so much and I am honored to continue to work with them over the next few years. I would also like to thank our truly amazing staff, including Ruth Crane, for their unparalleled dedication and service. They make DSI the vibrant Institute that it is!
I know that we are heading into unprecedented times as an Institute, University, and nation. I would like to let you know that I will be squarely focused on doing the best for DSI and all of its members, and am always available - to everyone - to discuss any pressing matters. Anyone who knows me knows that I care most about people; I will do everything possible to support our students, staff, and faculty. This is a truly amazing community whose energy and passion transcend all; I will never lose sight of that fact.
Thank you again for investing your trust in me. I look forward to the next three exciting years working with you to transform the field of data science and develop the next generation of innovators!
Brenda Rubenstein
She/Her/Hers
Vernon K. Krieble Professor of Chemistry
Professor of Physics
Director of the Brown Data Science Institute
Graduate Trainer, MCB, CCMB, TSGP"